Is your Dodge key fob struggling to unlock your doors or start your engine? A dead or dying key fob battery is a common culprit, but thankfully, it’s an easy fix you can handle yourself in just a few minutes. No need to schedule a service appointment or pay dealership prices – changing your Dodge key fob battery is a straightforward DIY task. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, ensuring you can get your key fob back in top working condition quickly and efficiently.
Whether you have a newer Dodge model with a modern, sleek key fob or an older vehicle with a more traditional design, the battery replacement process is quite similar. The most common type of battery you’ll need is a CR2032, widely available at most auto parts stores, pharmacies, and online retailers. Let’s dive into how to replace the battery in your Dodge key fob and get you back on the road with a fully functional remote.
Step-by-Step Guide for Modern Dodge Key Fobs
If your Dodge key fob is the type that doesn’t require being inserted into the dashboard to start your vehicle, follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Locate and Release the Emergency Key
On the back of your Dodge key fob, you’ll find a small lever or button. Slide or press this to release the mechanical emergency key. Pull the key out and set it aside in a safe place. This key is a backup to manually unlock your car door if needed.
Step 2: Gather Your Tools
For this step, you’ll need a flat, thin object. A small flathead screwdriver is ideal, but you could also use a butter knife or even a guitar pick if you’re careful. These tools will help you gently pry open the key fob casing.
Step 3: Carefully Pry Open the Key Fob
Examine the bottom of your key fob, where the emergency key was just removed. You should see a small slot or seam. This is where you need to insert your flat tool. Gently insert the tip of your screwdriver or chosen tool into the slot and carefully twist or pry to separate the two halves of the key fob. Work your way around the seam, gently applying pressure until the casing begins to split open. Avoid using excessive force to prevent damaging the plastic.
Step 4: Access and Remove the Old Battery
Once the two halves of the key fob are separated, you’ll see the internal electronics and the battery. The battery is usually a small, round, coin-shaped cell. Take note of how the battery is positioned in its housing, specifically the orientation of the positive (+) and negative (-) sides. This is important for inserting the new battery correctly. Use your flat tool again to gently slide the old battery out of its housing.
Step 5: Install the New CR2032 Battery
Take your new CR2032 battery. This is the standard battery size for most Dodge key fobs and can be purchased at most auto parts stores or online. Slide the new battery into the housing, ensuring the polarity (+ and – sides) matches the original battery’s orientation. Often, there are small “+” signs in the battery compartment to guide you.
Step 6: Reassemble Your Key Fob
Take the two halves of the key fob casing and carefully press them back together. You should hear a click or snap as they securely fasten. Ensure there are no gaps and the fob feels firmly closed. Finally, slide the emergency key back into its slot until it clicks into place.
Step-by-Step Guide for Older Dodge Key Fobs
If your Dodge uses an older style key fob that typically needs to be placed in the ignition or dashboard to start the vehicle, the process is slightly different but still easy to manage:
Step 1: Release the Emergency Key
Similar to the modern key fob, locate the lever or button on the back of your older Dodge key fob. Slide or press it to release and remove the emergency key. Set it aside.
Step 2: Locate and Remove the Phillips Head Screw
Flip the key fob over so the buttons are facing down and the rounded end is pointing upwards. You should see a tiny Phillips head screw. You’ll need a small Phillips head screwdriver to remove this screw. Unscrew and carefully set the screw aside in a safe place, as it’s quite small and easily lost.
Step 3: Pry Open the Key Fob Casing
With the screw removed, you can now separate the two halves of the key fob. Use a flat, thin tool like a flathead screwdriver to gently pry apart the casing. Insert the tool into the seam, usually near where the screw was located, and carefully twist or pry to separate the halves. Work around the seam gently until the case opens.
Step 4: Access and Replace the Battery
Once open, you’ll see the inner workings of the fob. Carefully lift out the inner piece to access the battery compartment, which is usually on the underside of this inner component. Observe the battery’s orientation and use your flat tool to slide the old battery out.
Step 5: Insert the New CR2032 Battery
Take your new CR2032 battery and slide it into the battery housing, matching the correct polarity as you noted earlier.
Step 6: Reassemble and Test
Carefully put the inner piece back into the key fob casing, and then align and snap the two halves of the fob back together. Make sure they are firmly closed. Replace the Phillips head screw and tighten it gently. Finally, reinsert the emergency key.
Final Thoughts
Changing the battery in your Dodge key fob is a simple and cost-effective maintenance task you can easily do at home. By following these steps, you can avoid the inconvenience of a non-functioning key fob and save money on dealership service. Keep a spare CR2032 battery handy, and you’ll be prepared to tackle this minor maintenance whenever needed, ensuring your Dodge key fob is always ready to go.
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